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Investigating Cell Behavior in Response to Hydrostatic Pressure and Substrate Stiffness Using a PDMS-Based Bioreactor
Introduction and Background
Skin cells dynamically respond to mechanical and biochemical stimuli, which influence critical processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Mechanobiology, the study of these responses, requires advanced in vitro systems to emulate physiological conditions. This project utilizes a device designed for controlled manipulation of hydrostatic pressure (0.1–1.5 kPa) and substrate stiffness (0.1–100 kPa). The system facilitates isolated and scalable experiments to analyze how the interplay of these mechanical parameters affects cell behavior.
Methodology
Bioreactor Validation: Use integrated pressure sensors and stiffness-calibrated substrates to confirm uniform conditions across wells. Perform flow experiments including real-time monitoring to ensure consistent hydrostatic pressure distribution. Once this is verified, testing cellular behavior including Metabolic activity, protein expression and gene expression will be examined.
Methodology Bioreactor Validation: Use integrated pressure sensors and stiffness-calibrated substrates to confirm uniform conditions across wells. Perform flow experiments including real-time monitoring to ensure consistent hydrostatic pressure distribution. Once this is verified, testing cellular behavior including Metabolic activity, protein expression and gene expression will be examined.
Objectives
The primary goal is to evaluate the effect of hydrostatic pressure and substrate stiffness on cell behavior. The study aims to: Validate the bioreactor’s ability to maintain precise mechanical conditions. Examine cellular behavior using biological assays that reveal metabolic, structural, protein-level, and gene expression responses.
Conclusion
This project will advance mechanobiology by utilizing a state-of-the-art bioreactor to study the interplay of hydrostatic pressure and substrate stiffness. The integration of diverse biological assays will offer a comprehensive view of cellular behavior, providing a valuable platform for future research in skin physiology and beyond.
Candidate Background
We are seeking a student with an interdisciplinary background and a strong willingness to learn. While foundational knowledge in a core discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, or mechanical engineering) is important, no extensive experience is required. As this is an interdisciplinary project and the bioreactor has not been validated yet, the student should be willing to also make some changes to the reactor if the need arises. Hence some basic CAD skills or willingness to learn CAD are also required.
Objectives The primary goal is to evaluate the effect of hydrostatic pressure and substrate stiffness on cell behavior. The study aims to: Validate the bioreactor’s ability to maintain precise mechanical conditions. Examine cellular behavior using biological assays that reveal metabolic, structural, protein-level, and gene expression responses.
Conclusion This project will advance mechanobiology by utilizing a state-of-the-art bioreactor to study the interplay of hydrostatic pressure and substrate stiffness. The integration of diverse biological assays will offer a comprehensive view of cellular behavior, providing a valuable platform for future research in skin physiology and beyond. Candidate Background We are seeking a student with an interdisciplinary background and a strong willingness to learn. While foundational knowledge in a core discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, or mechanical engineering) is important, no extensive experience is required. As this is an interdisciplinary project and the bioreactor has not been validated yet, the student should be willing to also make some changes to the reactor if the need arises. Hence some basic CAD skills or willingness to learn CAD are also required.
